February 2011

February 28, 2011

HSTs are "half-square triangles", and they are jumping off points for many quilt designs. You can create both traditional and modern designs using these, often depending on the fabrics you choose.

Today I am going to show you how to make HSTs and tomorrow I will show you a bunch of fun things you can do with them. This little block is quite versatile!

I have always called them "speedy triangles" from my early days of quilting with Eleanor Burns on PBS. When my oldest girls were babes, I watched her in the afternoons while they took naps, and thus began my love for quilting.

To make one (generally you will need to make a bunch, but let's start with one) you will need two pieces of fabric, one printed and one solid measuring 3-1/2" each:

Now you need to take your solid piece and draw a line from corner to corner using a pencil:

You will now sew a 1/4"seam on each side of that penciled line :

Here is what you will have after sewing:

Now cut that piece in two right down the middle of that penciled line:

Here's what you get: two HSTs. You will need to open them, iron them, and clip the extra fabric:

Now I suggest that you go make yourself a stack of these and tomorrow we will play with them!

February 26, 2011

Hullabaloo pre-cuts are here and they are so cute! I am just loving the reds greys and yellows in this line by Urban Chiks for Moda.

Bryant Park is the first line I have carried from Anthology Fabrics and I am so pleased with it! The colors are fresh and beautiful, and I love that the prints are a bit smaller than most of what I carry. It's nice to have something a little different!

February 25, 2011

A full weekend ahead to relax and spend some time with my family. I like that!

It's also the day for the Friday Fun question.

If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?

Let's imagine that you are put into the witness-protection-program and you get to pick your new name. What would it be? What have you always wanted to be called besides your own name?

My name would be Miranda. This is probably because as a kid, Randi was a hard name to have in some settings. People liked to point out that it was a boy's name, and, of course, it has an odd connotation. As an adult I like that it is different and am completely fine with it, but as a kid Miranda was always my favorite. It's so pretty and it sounds distinguished.

February 24, 2011

***I came across a most inspiring blog today called Design Seeds. You will find amazing color inspiration in the form of photo mosaics like the ones in this post (all are created by Jessica of Design Seeds). Can't wait to have some time to make some new fabric stacks! (Thanks to Twin Fibers for directing me to this lovely blog!)

February 23, 2011

My quilt for the Doll Quilt Swap is on deck for quilting. I was going to design a more traditional layout, but once I started this one, I liked it. Looking at the photo below, I think that I photographed this upside-down, but really it could be hung either way.

As soon as this one is out the door I will be quilting like a crazy woman on my Sherbet Pips and Emily's quilt. I have tons of things that I want to make so I will be glad to finish everything.

Am I the only one who finds the most inspiration while I am busy with other projects? I sure wish I was inspired when I had lots of time on my hands. It seems I would get more done that way.

Thank you to everyone who entered Livy Lou Designs' giveaway! The winner of the you-pick-your-favorite-magnet-board is Our Busy Little Bunch! I will send Chris your info and she will contact you about your prize!

In a bowl combine the onion, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can blend. Add cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, and olives. Stir and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serves 4.

February 20, 2011

Chris is the shopkeeper at Livy Lou Designs and you only have to take one peek into her shop to see that she loves color! Chris' shop is all about handmade accesories for you and your home.

Chris likes to hoard fabric, eat chocolate and work late into the night. She currently lives in Michigan with her incredibly supportive husband and two children, Olivia (Livy Lou) and Allen. When she is not in her basement burried in fabric and sheet metal, you will find her at the hockey rink.

Today Chris is giving away one of her adorable magnet boards: winner's choice! All you need to do is to hop on over to her shop and take a peek. Then you can leave a comment in this post telling which item in her shop is your favorite. Pretty simple way to win something completely cute!

Chris is also offering a discount: 15% off all purchases through February 27th using discount code IHAVETOSAY.

I am not entering (of course) but my favorite item is the magnet board in this post. It's so bright and fun!